Did you know that the star-studded skies above Kielder Water and Forest Park in Northumberland are the darkest in England and have been awarded Dark Sky Park status? The first of its kind in the UK and the fourth largest in the world (joining the likes of Death Valley in the United States), it’s the perfect place to star gaze and ask questions about the Universe. 
Why is it here? How did it start? How big is it? You might just emerge with some of the answers if you go along to ‘A Universe Full of Stars’ at Kielder Observatory. It’s a thought-provoking journey into our existence, with talks by expert tutors. You’ll get to use the telescopes and – if the skies are clear – observe distant galaxies, nebulae and star clusters, while gazing at the glittering stars of the Milky Way from the observation deck.
Head to Alnwick Castle on Wednesday 12th July for a fun, inventive musical take on Twelfth Night, Shakespeare’s comedy of old-fashioned trickery and mistaken identity.
It’s Fayre Day in Pegswood, Morpeth, on Saturday 15th July. 
The fun day out begins with a parade led by Morpeth Pipe Band, leading to lots of activities for the whole family, including a dog show, dance demonstrations, dog agility, live music, funfair rides and archery.
Take part in the Hadrian’s Wall Charity Walk, taking place on various Saturdays over the summer. Walk for your chosen charity from Walltown to Chollerford, taking in some of the most spectacular sections of the Roman Wall and covering a distance of 27 km. It’s expected to take around eight hours to complete.
Dior international make-up artist Jamie Coombes will be at Jesmond Dene House, near Newcastle upon Tyne, on Sunday 16th July to reveal how to create the perfect red carpet look.
Jamie, who has worked with names such as Leonardo di Caprio, Sharon Stone and Gemma Arterton, will then mingle with guests over afternoon tea (glass of fizz included). Places are limited so advance booking is required.
The village of Craster is the venue for a series of informal lively concerts over the summer, including Tuesday 11th July. With traditional Northumberland tunes, songs and stories, the event features the Northumbrian smallpipes, fiddle, guitar, Renaissance and Swedish bagpipes.
Visit Wallington Hall, Cambo, and go back in time to 1929 when the owners of the hall, the Trevelyans, first moved into the grand house. 
Installations and sounds will animate the rooms to recreate how it might have felt to be there at that time. You can experience this throughout July.
Enjoy a Picnic in the Park at Carlisle Park, Morpeth, on Sunday 16th July. You’re encouraged to bring your own picnic, although there will be food on sale at the venue. Fun activities include bouncy castle, climbing wall, face painting, entertainers, table top sales, caricature painting and songs by country & western singer, Andy Whittle.